Sign Regulations in Homewood, Alabama
Homewood, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 48 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Projecting Sign, Sculptural Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: September 14, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Homewood, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Homewood
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs - General Standards | — | — | No sign >4 sq ft within 20 ft of intersection ROW lines (40 ft if intersecting street is an arterial); no sign within 10 ft of front lot line or private drive unless waived; no extension into public ROW except attached signs projecting over a public sidewalk. |
| Electronic Message Display (Commercial/Industrial land uses) | If on a ground sign within 50 ft of a traffic signal: 8 ft max; may increase 1 ft per 12 ft of additional setback from the traffic signal up to the district maximum in Table 2. | Must conform to size and placement standards of Table 2 for the applicable zoning district. | Spacing: ≥100 ft from flashing warning signs; ≥250 ft from another EMD. Height calculation relative to setback from traffic signal per Sec. 5-152(1)(k)6. |
| Temporary Banner (General rules citywide) | — | 30 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for HomewoodFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
48
- Awning Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Sculptural Sign
- Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Homewood
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Homewood vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Homewood, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Homewood, regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Projecting Sign, Sculptural Sign, Window Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Homewood vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Homewood are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Homewood has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Homewood, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Homewood, Alabama regulates 48 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Monument Sign (Mall Structure context)s in the Brookwood Mall zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall, 72 sq ft total (36 sq ft per side if double-sided), and 6 ft wide, with a General freestanding setbacks apply. setback (Sec. Sec. 5-155(2)g). Most commercial signs in Homewood require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Homewood, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Homewood (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | If on a ground sign within 50 ft of a traffic signal: 8 ft max; may increase 1 ft per 12 ft of additional setback from the traffic signal up to the district maximum in Table 2. | 32 sq ft (per Table 2 for residential entry monument; see residential zone entry) | — |
| Residential zoning districts (NPD, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, PR-1, PR-2) | 2 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Non-residential zoning districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-4(a), C-4(b), C-5, PCD-1, PCD-2, M-1, PI, I-1, I-2, I-3, PMUD, MXD, GURD, EURD, WHD, LPD) | 11 | 40 ft (measured above the centerline elevation of I-65; see note) | 672 sq ft | — |
| EURD Edgewood Urban Renewal District | 10 | 6 ft (Shopping center bonus: 9 ft) | As calculated; cap at 90% of storefront width | — |
| Brookwood Mall | 11 | 35 ft | 450 sq ft total (225 sq ft per side) | — |
| Wildwood Centre | 13 | 45 ft | 450 sq ft total (225 sq ft per side) | — |
| Downtown Sign District 1 | 7 | — | As calculated; cap at 90% of storefront width | — |
| Downtown Sign District 2 | 8 | — | As calculated; cap at 90% of storefront width | — |
| Downtown Sign District 3 | 8 | — | As calculated; cap at 90% of storefront width | — |
| GURD Greensprings Urban Renewal District | 1 | 40 ft (measured above the centerline of I-65) | 672 sq ft | — |
| WHD West Homewood District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Homewood(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
Non-residential zoning districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-4(a), C-4(b), C-5, PCD-1, PCD-2, M-1, PI, I-1, I-2, I-3, PMUD, MXD, GURD, EURD, WHD, LPD)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 15 ft (Shopping center bonus: 22.5 ft) | 150 sq ft (Shopping center bonus: 225 sq ft) | — | General visibility triangle/setback rules per Sec. 5-152(1)(e) apply. | 1 per frontage | On-premises at ground level; monument base fully attached to ground. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Nonresidential zoning districts - Monument; Shopping center bonus); Sec. 5-153(2)a |
| Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) | 40 ft (measured above the centerline elevation of I-65; see note) | 672 sq ft | — | Height measured above I-65 centerline at a perpendicular; location within 75 ft of I-65 ROW for C-3 and GURD; adjacency to I-65 ROW for M-1 and within 3,000 ft of I-65/Oxmoor centerpoint. | 1 | Permitted only on: (i) C-3 and GURD, within an area no more than 75 ft from the Interstate 65 ROW; and (ii) M-1 lots adjoining the ROW of I-65 and within 3,000 ft of the centerpoint of the intersection of I-65 with Oxmoor Road. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Nonresidential zoning districts - Off-premise) notes 1 and 2; Sec. 5-153(3)a–d; Sec. 5-159(b)(2) |
| Roof Sign | — | 3 sq ft per linear foot of building | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to the roof or extending above the roof line. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Nonresidential - Roof); Note 3; Sec. 5-154(2)a–b |
| Awning Sign | — | Up to 75% of sloping panel; up to 85% of valence | — | — | 1 sloping panel + 1 valence per awning | Mounted to awnings of cloth/canvas/vinyl or similar; material should be same/similar as awning. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Nonresidential - Awning); Sec. 5-160(1)a |
| Canopy/Marquee Sign | — | 2 sq ft per linear foot of storefront | — | Clearances: 8 ft over sidewalks; 14 ft over vehicular areas per general standards. | 1 per canopy or marquee | Affixed parallel to canopy or marquee projecting from a building. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Nonresidential - Canopy or marquee); Sec. 5-160(1)b |
| Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per tenant | Affixed to building; leading edge extends >12 in beyond wall; may be perpendicular to wall or under a canopy. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Nonresidential - Projecting); Sec. 5-160(1)c; Sec. 5-152(1)(a) |
| Sculptural Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per tenant | Attached sculptural element sign. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Nonresidential - Sculptural) |
| Temporary Sign (Non-residential zoning districts) | 4 ft (freestanding temporary signs) | 12 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line. | 1 per tenant | On private property; not within public ROW; not within visibility triangle. | — | Unlock | Table 1 (Temporary Sign Restrictions - Non-residential zoning districts); Sec. 5-152(1)l.1-3 |
Brookwood Mall
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Common to all locations) | 4 ft 6 in | — | 25 ft | — | Tenants may choose up to 3 sign types (see Sec. 5-155(2)); for freestanding structures up to 3 sign types (Sec. 5-155(3)) | On main mall structure or freestanding structures per tenant selection. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(1)a; Sec. 5-155(2)a; Sec. 5-155(4)a |
| Roof Sign (Common to all locations) | 4 ft 6 in; may project max 5 ft above parapet | — | 25 ft | — | Counts toward tenant’s choice of any three sign types | On mall structure roof or on freestanding structures per tenant selection. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(1)b; Sec. 5-155(2)b; Sec. 5-155(4)a |
| Banner Sign (Common to all locations) | — | — | Max length 14 ft; max width 3 ft | — | Counts toward tenant’s choice of any three sign types | On building wall at mall structure or freestanding structures per tenant selection. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(1)d; Sec. 5-155(2)d; Sec. 5-155(3)d; Sec. 5-155(4)a |
| Awning Sign (Common to all locations) | — | Graphics on awnings are exempt from area and height restrictions | — | — | Counts toward tenant’s choice of any three sign types | On awnings. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(1)e; Sec. 5-155(2)e; Sec. 5-155(3)e; Sec. 5-155(4)a |
| Monument Sign (Mall Structure context) | 6 ft | 72 sq ft total (36 sq ft per side if double-sided) | 6 ft | General freestanding setbacks apply. | 1 | Utilized with mall structure signage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(2)g |
| Monument Sign (Freestanding structure lots <100 ft frontage) | 3.5 ft | 25 sq ft per side; 50 sq ft total | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Per street frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(3)g.1 |
| Monument Sign (Freestanding structure lots ≥100 ft frontage) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft per side; 60 sq ft total | — | 12 ft minimum from street ROW. | 2 per frontage when frontage >100 ft (with spacing conditions) | Up to two per street frontage when frontage >100 ft. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(3)g.2 |
| Monument Sign (Multi-business per parcel) | 35 ft | 450 sq ft total (225 sq ft per side) | 30 ft | — | 1 per parcel | One per parcel for multiple businesses. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-155(3)g.3 |
Wildwood Centre
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attached Sign (Single Tenant - Building Facade Length Limit) | — | — | No sign on a building facade may exceed 80 ft in length | — | Single tenants: any two sign types allowed | On building facades. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-156(1)a; Sec. 5-156(3) |
| Monument Sign (Single Tenant - frontage <100 ft) | 3.5 ft | 25 sq ft per side (50 sq ft total) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage for lots <100 ft frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-156(1)b.1; Sec. 5-156(3) |
| Monument Sign (Single Tenant - frontage ≥100 ft) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft per side (60 sq ft total) | — | 12 ft from street ROW. | 2 per street frontage | 2 monument signs per street frontage when frontage ≥100 ft. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-156(1)b.2; Sec. 5-156(3) |
| Monument Sign (Single Parcel - Multi-business) | 35 ft | 450 sq ft total (225 sq ft per side) | 30 ft | — | 1 per parcel | One per parcel for multiple businesses. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-156(1)b.3; Sec. 5-156(3) |
| Monument Sign (Multiple Tenant buildings/campuses - per frontage) | 45 ft | Up to 200 sq ft per side for each monument sign | — | — | 1 per frontage (2 if frontage >500 ft) + 1 per vehicular entrance | One monument sign per frontage; second permitted if frontage >500 ft. | — | Unlock | Sec. 5-156(2)a.1-2; Sec. 5-156(3) |
| Wall Sign (Wildwood Centre - per Table 2) | Per Sec. 5-156 (not numerically specified in text provided) | 20% of first floor facade area | — | — | 1 per tenant | On first floor facade. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Wildwood Centre - Wall); Sec. 5-156(3) |
| Projecting Sign (Wildwood Centre) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 2 per tenant | Projecting from building; per tenant. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Wildwood Centre - Projecting); Sec. 5-156(2)b.3 |
| Roof Sign (Wildwood Centre) | Per Sec. 5-156 | Per Sec. 5-156 | — | — | 1 per building | On roof. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Wildwood Centre - Roof); Sec. 5-156(3); Sec. 5-154(2) |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Homewood — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Homewood — start freeProhibited Signs in Homewood
- Animated signs are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(1))
- Signs supported by guy wires or similar insubstantial supports are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(2))
- Inflatable signs (e.g., balloons, gas-inflated signs) are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(3))
- Moving or flashing signs, including searchlights, streamers, and spinners, are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(4))
- Off-premise signs are prohibited, except for lots fronting Interstate 65 (Sec. 5-151(5))
- Pole signs are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(6))
- Portable signs, including A-frame signs, are prohibited unless specifically permitted elsewhere in the article (Sec. 5-151(7))
- Signs attached or painted on trees, utility poles, rocks, or natural features are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(8))
- Signs incorporating noisy mechanical devices or emitting smoke or steam are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(9))
- Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited, except attached signs projecting over a public sidewalk, unless specifically permitted elsewhere (Sec. 5-151(10))
- Signs that pose a traffic hazard (obstruct or may be confused with official traffic control devices; display lights resembling emergency/danger lights; use words like “stop,” “warning,” “danger,” “turn” that may confuse drivers; or obstruct motorists’ view) are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(11) a–d; Sec. 5-152(f))
- LED signs are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(12))
- Flags, banners, and streamers are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(13))
- Snipe or bandit signs are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(14))
- Vehicle-mounted signs are regulated as ground signs and signs on a trailer chassis are considered portable ground signs, which are prohibited, except as otherwise provided (Sec. 5-151(15))
- Unsafe signs are prohibited (Sec. 5-151(16))
- No sign may emit sound (Sec. 5-152(g))
- Prohibited illumination types: no metal halide lights exceeding 75 watts; no high- or low-pressure sodium light bulbs; and no mercury vapor light sources for direct or internal illumination, for either permanent or temporary signs (Sec. 5-152(d)(6))
- No vegetation within the public right-of-way may be damaged, pruned, or removed to provide greater visibility of any sign; and no person may damage, trim, destroy, or remove vegetation within a right-of-way or in required landscaped areas (Sec. 5-152(i)(2); Sec. 5-152(j)(2))
- No permanent or temporary sign exceeding 4 square feet is permitted within 20 feet of an intersection street right-of-way line (40 feet if the intersecting street is an arterial) or within 10 feet of the front lot line or a private drive, unless visibility clearance is maintained as determined by the code enforcement officer; in any event, no sign may extend into any right-of-way except attached signs projecting over a public sidewalk (Sec. 5-152(e))
Exempt Signs in Homewood
- West Homewood signs are exempt from this article (regulated separately) (Sec. 5-150(1)(a))
- Traffic signs and all other signs erected or maintained by a governmental body are exempt (Sec. 5-150(1)(b))
- Signs located entirely inside a building or enclosed space, other than window signs, are exempt (Sec. 5-150(1)(c))
- Signs protected by state statute are exempt (Sec. 5-150(1)(d))
- Signs not visible from public streets or from one property to another do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(1))
- Flags or insignia of any organization (no more than 2 flags per flagpole; max 30 sq ft per flag; only one side counted) do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(2))
- Tablets, grave markers, headstones, statuary, and noncommercial remembrances; memorials or cornerstones; or the name, date of erection and use of building when built into its walls do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(3))
- Works of fine art not displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise and from which no enterprise receives direct commercial gain do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(4))
- Temporary decorations or displays celebrating traditionally accepted holidays do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(5))
- Temporary construction site signs (max one per street frontage; max 32 sq ft; only while building is in progress under a current building permit; must be removed before certificate of occupancy) do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(6))
- Signs on vehicles/equipment meeting all conditions (primary purpose not display; integral graphics; operable/registered/actively used; not static displays/storage; not parked with signs displayed during inactivity over 48 hours, except for active construction) do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(7))
- Residential nameplates/street address/combination signs up to 4 sq ft (one per street front per use) do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(8))
- Nonresidential street address/nameplate/combination wall-mounted signs up to 6 sq ft do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(9))
- Changing copy on a legal sign; maintenance without structural changes; changing interchangeable letters; and repainting do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(10))
- Temporary, nonilluminated signs per Sec. 5-152 do not require a permit; banners require permits (Sec. 5-159(c)(11))
- Directional signs indicating bus stops, taxi stands, off-street parking or loading facilities and other directional information up to 4 sq ft do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(12))
- Official signs including legal notices required by law, warning signs, signs directed by a governmental agency or public utility, and historical markers do not require a permit (Sec. 5-159(c)(13))
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Homewood
- No explicit master sign plan requirement is stated in the provided sections
- Sign permit applications must include owner/agent/contractor information; property address; zoning and principal land use; complete sign description (number, type, freestanding or attached, illumination method, on/off-premises, setbacks); a dimensioned sketch; a plot plan showing sign locations and dimensional characteristics; other details as needed (e.g., building elevation, survey); and fees (Sec. 5-159(b)(4))
- For electronic message displays located within 50 feet of a traffic signal, the distance to the signal must be demonstrated on a site plan or survey submitted with the sign permit application (Sec. 5-152(k)(6))
- Variances to sign regulations require a written request filed with the city clerk and a public hearing before the City Council; the council may deny, grant, or grant with conditions; the council’s decision is final (Sec. 5-159(f))
- Wildwood Centre signage must comply with signage rules and regulations approved in the final development plan; the Wildwood Centre architectural review committee may reject any sign presentation (Sec. 5-153(1); Sec. 5-156(4))
- Brookwood Mall signage is regulated by a separate section with its own standards; the property owner may reject sign presentations (Sec. 5-155; Sec. 5-155(4)(b))
- West Homewood signs are regulated separately by appendix A, article IV, section EE (Sec. 5-157(1))
- Downtown signs are governed by mapped downtown sign districts with their own standards; no master sign plan requirement is stated (Sec. 5-158)
Source: municode municipal code